Sports News

Energy Breakthrough: Girton Grammar crowned back-to-back electric vehicle champions 

Girton Grammar’s Electric Vehicle Team, Xception, has once again demonstrated its exceptional prowess and leadership in the field of energy-efficient vehicles. 

After three days of intense competition – marked by 37-degree heat, rain, rigorous presentations and 24 hours of continuous racing – Team Xception emerged victorious, claiming first place in the Energy Efficient Vehicle category at this year’s Energy Breakthrough event, securing back-to-back honours.

Held annually in Maryborough, this prestigious event challenges teams to present their vehicles before two panels of judges, who assess their design, construction and presentation. Participants must showcase not only their technical expertise but also their understanding of the trikes' performance, with their answers contributing to their overall score. From midday Saturday to midday Sunday, the event tests both mental and physical endurance, with teams racing non-stop for 24 hours, managing their rest in shifts to ensure the trikes never cease moving.

This year, Girton Grammar fielded four teams – two human-powered (pedal) and two electric – comprising 26 dedicated students. Among them, Team 'Introuble', made up of eight Year 7 boys, made an outstanding debut in the human-powered trike category. Competing in the challenging ‘Open’ category, they achieved a remarkable 16th place out of 27 teams and finished in the top half of the field for their Display and Presentation.

Team 'Inspiration', an all-female human-powered team from Years 7 to 9, demonstrated incredible resilience, with four members competing in their first Energy Breakthrough event. Despite limited rest – no more than two hours at a time – they persevered, ensuring their trike was always on the track and never idle.

Team 'In-Bread', consisting of six members from Years 7 to 10, was a debutant team in the all-electric vehicle category. Their efforts were rewarded with a fifth-place finish in their category for lap count and a fourth-place overall result, thanks to their impressive design and construction work.

But it was Team Xception, with their brand new trike – the third to bear the 'Xception' name – that led the way. Though they finished second in their category for lap count, their in-depth knowledge of their trike and superior presentation skills propelled them to a well-deserved first-place finish overall when the design and display scores were tallied.

The months leading up to this event were filled with hours of training, practice, meticulous trike work and strong teamwork. Each student displayed a profound commitment to excellence, not only in their performance but also in the way they represented Girton Grammar with integrity and professionalism.

The Girton Racing Team extends its deepest gratitude to Mr Robin Kirby, the Chief Engineer and Team Manager of Team Xception, for his invaluable leadership, and to all the parents and carers whose support was instrumental in making this achievement possible. Their contribution to the success of this event is immeasurable, and we celebrate not just the accolades, but the journey and dedication that made it all possible.

Aerobic Gymnastics Showcase and Awards 2024

On Thursday 14 November, 50 students performed at the Girton Aerobic Gymnastics Showcase, displaying a range of routines for their families and friends. We recognised the contribution of our Aerobic Gymnastics Captain, Ruby Conti (12 Millward), who has been involved in the program for the last 12 years. 

The following students were awarded for their improvement over the year:

• Matilda Thomas (1 Jones)
• Lucille Pang (1 Frew)
• Pelagia Faganel (1 Jenkin) 
• Rhea Vijin (2 Riley)
• Anaisha Nair (1 Jenkin)
• Sophie Collier (2 Riley)
• Avika Soni (3 Millward)
• Saskia Kooloos (5 Millward)
• Lauren Leung (7 Jenkin) 

A special mention to the two students who received the inaugural Ruby Conti Award for their dedication, commitment and support of their peers.

• 2024 Junior Award: Rosie Kuhle (4 Jones) – Awarded for her dedication to every session. She works hard and even when her peers head off for breaks, she can be seen working away developing her techniques and skills. She is always supportive of her peers and is a humble member of the team. 
   
• The 2024 Senior Award: Stephanie Carlson (9 Frew) – Stephanie applies herself to all sessions. She was gracious and a fabulous role model when things didn’t turn out as expected at the National Championships. Stephanie supports her peers and stepped up to assist the coaches.